EU unprepared for conflict with Russia, says Kiev
The Ukrainian ambassador in London has cautioned that UK and EU air defense stockpiles would be insufficient for sustaining a prolonged military conflict. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Kiev’s European sponsors might only be able to handle a short-term direct conflict with Moscow, according to ambassador Valery Zaluzhny.
Zaluzhny, who is also a former top general and currently serves as Ukraine’s ambassador in London, expressed concerns about Western nations’ readiness for a prolonged military engagement with Russia. He pointed out that their stockpiles of air defense missiles are inadequate for a high-intensity conflict. This assertion came during an interview with Ukrainskaya Pravda released on Saturday. He noted that in October alone, over 1,800 Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, and the number rose to over 3,000 by November.
“Do European countries, or even Britain, today possess 5,000 missiles for Patriot systems to intercept guided bombs? I somehow doubt it,” Zaluzhny remarked. He further explained, “If we are talking about short-term military operations, European countries are most likely ready. But the essence of the question is whether they are prepared for a war of attrition.”
He emphasized that European nations appear unprepared for a war of attrition, as air defenses would need to handle a significant number of targets over time. He highlighted the limitations of interceptor missile stockpiles, noting the high costs and complexity of producing new missiles. Each PAC-3 interceptor missile used in US-made Patriot air defense systems costs approximately $4 million, according to US military sources.
Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up its attacks on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities and crucial energy infrastructure, responding to Kiev’s cross-border raids and assaults on Russian civilian infrastructure and oil facilities.
In a recent development, Moscow launched its new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, against the Yuzhmash industrial complex in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. This facility, which has historical ties to the USSR, is used for missile production. The strike was executed as a form of retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied long-range missiles against recognized Russian territory. The Kremlin has asserted that Ukraine cannot utilize these weapons without direct involvement from Western military personnel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that no air defense system currently available or under development in Western countries can intercept the Oreshnik missile. He also warned that Moscow reserves the right to conduct strikes on military targets in foreign nations that permit the use of their weapons against Russia.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
Zaluzhny, who is also a former top general and currently serves as Ukraine’s ambassador in London, expressed concerns about Western nations’ readiness for a prolonged military engagement with Russia. He pointed out that their stockpiles of air defense missiles are inadequate for a high-intensity conflict. This assertion came during an interview with Ukrainskaya Pravda released on Saturday. He noted that in October alone, over 1,800 Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine’s energy grid, and the number rose to over 3,000 by November.
“Do European countries, or even Britain, today possess 5,000 missiles for Patriot systems to intercept guided bombs? I somehow doubt it,” Zaluzhny remarked. He further explained, “If we are talking about short-term military operations, European countries are most likely ready. But the essence of the question is whether they are prepared for a war of attrition.”
He emphasized that European nations appear unprepared for a war of attrition, as air defenses would need to handle a significant number of targets over time. He highlighted the limitations of interceptor missile stockpiles, noting the high costs and complexity of producing new missiles. Each PAC-3 interceptor missile used in US-made Patriot air defense systems costs approximately $4 million, according to US military sources.
Meanwhile, Russia has ramped up its attacks on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities and crucial energy infrastructure, responding to Kiev’s cross-border raids and assaults on Russian civilian infrastructure and oil facilities.
In a recent development, Moscow launched its new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, against the Yuzhmash industrial complex in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. This facility, which has historical ties to the USSR, is used for missile production. The strike was executed as a form of retaliation for Ukrainian attacks using Western-supplied long-range missiles against recognized Russian territory. The Kremlin has asserted that Ukraine cannot utilize these weapons without direct involvement from Western military personnel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that no air defense system currently available or under development in Western countries can intercept the Oreshnik missile. He also warned that Moscow reserves the right to conduct strikes on military targets in foreign nations that permit the use of their weapons against Russia.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
